2024-09-18 21:43:44
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 71
Victor's fall felt eternal, the weightless abyss swallowing him whole as he plummeted into the unknown. The darkness was thick, suffocating, but the sense of Lucien’s victory burned deeper than any physical wound. His brother had always been two steps ahead, always calculating, always orchestrating Victor’s downfall.With a bone-jarring crash, Victor hit the ground. Pain shot through his body, but his centuries of experience and resilience allowed him to rise swiftly, despite the disorientation. He surveyed his surroundings—an underground cavern, ancient and sprawling, lit by the soft glow of crystals embedded in the walls. This was no accident. Lucien had planned for him to fall here, but why?Victor's breath steadied, his eyes adjusting to the gloom. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else—something older. He ran his fingers along the walls, feeling the pulse of ancient magic coursing through the stones. This place had power.Suddenly, a voice echoed throug
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 72
Victor moved swiftly through the city streets, a blur in the darkness. His newfound power coursed through him, every sense heightened, every shadow a potential threat. The city he had protected for centuries now seemed smaller, more fragile than ever. He could feel the pulse of the city’s life, the distant echoes of mortal hearts beating, unaware of the storm that was about to descend.His mind, though sharper, struggled to reconcile the torrent of ancient memories and power with the part of him that had once been human. He could hear Elara’s words, a constant reminder: “Do not forget who you once were, or you may lose yourself completely.”But what if that part of him was already gone?Victor shook the thought from his mind. There was no time for doubt. Lucien had to be stopped. As he approached the heart of the city, the sky above began to darken unnaturally, thick clouds swirling into a storm. Lightning cracked in the distance, and the air grew heavy with the scent of blood.In the
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 73
Elara’s cries pierced through the encroaching darkness, pulling at the fragile threads of Victor’s awareness. He could feel the cold seeping into his bones, his body weakening with every second, but he couldn’t let go—couldn’t leave her. Not like this.As the last traces of his vision began to fade, something stirred deep within him, an ancient power buried far beneath the surface of his being. It wasn’t the destructive magic of Lucien, nor was it the bloodlust of his kind. This was something older, purer—a remnant of the life force that had sustained him through his centuries of existence.Elara’s hands were still gripping his shoulders, her tears falling onto his pale skin. He could hear her heart racing, the desperation in her voice as she pleaded with him to stay."Victor, please," she whispered. "You’ve survived so much. You’ve fought for so long. Don’t let it end like this. You have to come back to me."Her words echoed in the void, reverberating through the depths of his fading
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 74
Victor and Elara moved swiftly through the city streets, navigating the winding alleys and shadowed corners. The quiet tension of the morning was deceptive. Beneath the surface, they could feel the city’s pulse quickening, the unrest spreading as news of Lucien's death began to seep through the cracks. Factions would start vying for control, and the council’s invisible hand would soon make itself known.As they approached the central district, Victor turned to Elara. “We need to reach the House of Silver,” he said. “The lords there are loyal, but their loyalty is fragile. If we’re to unite the city, we must secure their support first.”Elara nodded. “The House of Silver is the wealthiest, aren’t they?”“Exactly,” Victor confirmed. “Their influence spreads far beyond their estate. They fund half the city’s infrastructure. If we can get them on our side, the other houses will follow. But be careful—Lady Silver is calculating. She will not ally herself with a sinking ship.”They quickene
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 75
As Victor and Elara stepped out into the cold night air, the feeling of being watched prickled at the back of Elara’s neck. She glanced over her shoulder but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The city had quieted down, the marketplace a shadow of its earlier bustling self. Still, the silence felt unnatural, heavy with an unseen threat.“Victor,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. “Do you feel that?”He slowed his pace, eyes scanning the rooftops and narrow alleys around them. “We’re not alone,” he murmured, confirming her suspicions.In an instant, a figure stepped out of the shadows ahead of them, cloaked in black. His presence was almost ghostly, as though he had materialized from the darkness itself. More figures began to emerge from the alleyways, each one moving with silent, predatory grace. The council had sent their best—the Shadows.Victor’s eyes narrowed, and he stepped in front of Elara protectively. “The council’s hounds,” he said, his voice low. “They’ve come to
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 76
Victor's chest heaved as he pulled the bloodied sword from the Shadow leader's chest. His side throbbed with the deep wound, but there was no time to tend to it. Elara was in danger, and that single thought drove him forward.He ran through the alleyways, his vampire senses heightened, tracking her heartbeat amid the chaos of the city night. The echoes of the battle still rang in his ears, but he shut out the noise, focusing entirely on finding her.Suddenly, he felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. Elara’s heartbeat, which had been fast and frantic moments ago, now thudded slower—almost faint. His blood ran cold."Elara!" he shouted, racing down the dark street, pushing his body to its limits. He turned a corner and froze at the sight before him.Elara lay crumpled on the ground, unconscious, with the hooded Shadow looming over her, his sword raised for a final strike. Time seemed to slow as Victor’s eyes blazed with fury. Without hesitation, he charged, his sword raised high.The
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 77
cult. You don’t have to do this alone, Victor. Let me help you."He turned to face her, his ancient eyes reflecting a sadness that spanned lifetimes. "Elena, you don’t understand. This isn’t just about us. It’s about survival—for my people, for yours. If I let my guard down, if I allow myself to be distracted by feelings, the cost will be too high.""But isn't that what makes life worth living?" Elena insisted, her voice filled with frustration. "What’s the point of ruling for centuries if you don’t allow yourself to feel anything real?"Victor looked at her, a trace of vulnerability crossing his face. "I’ve felt more than you could ever know, Elena. And I’ve lost more than I care to remember. I won’t allow myself to lose again."Elena stepped closer, defiant. "You’re not the only one who’s lost, Victor. We all have. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying to live."Victor took a deep breath, his voice softening. "This life... it’s not like yours. I’ve seen kingdoms rise and fall, watche
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 78
Victor and Elena emerged from the underground chamber, the tension between them as thick as the night air. The streets of the city were quiet, but it was a deceptive calm. The storm brewing beneath the surface was ready to break, and Victor knew it.As they walked side by side, Elena broke the silence. "You can’t fight them all alone, Victor. The council is vast, powerful, and now they’re coming after you with everything they have. You need more than just me by your side."Victor stopped and turned to her, his face unreadable. "I’ve faced worse odds before, Elena. But you’re right—this is different. The council is more dangerous than ever, and their influence spreads far beyond this city."Elena crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "So what’s the plan? We can’t just wait for them to make their move."Victor looked up at the darkened skyline, his mind racing. "We’ll need allies. Old friends, those who are still loyal to me. And we’ll need to protect the city’s key points—the council
Latest Chapter
chapter 140
The days following Elara's defeat were filled with uncertainty and tension. The land, once marred by war and strife, began to heal slowly but surely. The earth that had once been tainted with blood and sorrow was now beginning to bear the fruits of the future, as farmers returned to their fields, craftsmen resumed their work, and families reunited in the warmth of their homes.Victor stood on the high balcony of the newly rebuilt stronghold, gazing out over the expansive valley that stretched out before him. It had taken weeks to fortify the village and rebuild the clan territories, but every stone laid, every piece of timber nailed into place, was a symbol of their progress. The war was over. Elara was gone. And yet, Victor knew that the hardest part was only just beginning."Are you ready?" Elena's voice broke through his thoughts.Victor turned to find her standing beside him, her eyes as determined as his. Behind her, Thorne and the rest of their companions stood, all of them shar
chapter 139
As the last remnants of Elara’s dark magic dissolved into the ether, the oppressive atmosphere that had hung over the stronghold for so long seemed to lift. The air felt fresh, the stifling weight of fear and uncertainty replaced by the promise of a new dawn.Victor, Elena, and Thorne stood in the aftermath, their bodies bruised and battered, but their spirits unbroken. The battle had been grueling, and they had come so close to losing, but they had triumphed. The shadows that had once threatened to consume everything were gone, and for the first time in a long while, there was peace.“We did it,” Elena whispered, her voice still shaking with adrenaline. She looked at Victor, her eyes filled with awe and gratitude. “We actually did it.”Victor smiled faintly, his exhaustion beginning to catch up with him. "It was never just me. It was all of us. We fought together."Thorne let out a heavy breath, lowering his axe to the ground. "Never thought I’d see the day we beat Elara. Thought we
chapter 138
The clash of metal against metal rang through the air as Victor and his warriors fought with relentless determination. The monsters Elara had summoned were unlike anything they had faced before—twisted, shadowy creatures with jagged claws and glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness. The air around them crackled with magic, an oppressive force that seemed to drain the very life from the land.Victor’s sword moved with a fluid grace, cutting through the creatures as if they were made of paper. But even with his strength and the skills of his warriors, it was clear that they were outnumbered. The monsters kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.“Thorne, take the left flank!” Victor shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos. “We need to break through and reach the heart of the stronghold!”Thorne nodded, his eyes flashing with resolve. He and a handful of warriors moved swiftly to the left, cutting down enemies as they went. Meanwhile, Victor, Elena, and the r
chapter 137
As the plans took shape, the room began to fill with a sense of urgency. Each leader and their followers took on roles, organizing supplies, preparing weapons, and making sure every detail was accounted for. There was no time to waste. The final battle was approaching, and everyone knew it.Victor, Elena, and Thorne moved to a quieter corner of the tavern, their conversation a low murmur amidst the growing activity."Elara's not going to give up easily," Thorne said, his brow furrowed as he studied the map. "She's smart, and she knows how to manipulate the shadows. We have to be prepared for anything."Victor leaned back in his chair, his hand resting on the gemstone. "We’ll outsmart her. The power of the gemstone is more than just a weapon. It’s a symbol of unity, of hope. If we show the clans that we stand together, they won’t back down."Elena nodded, her sharp eyes calculating. "But that unity has to be real. We can't afford to have any dissent within our ranks. If even one clan b
chapter 136
Victor stood tall, his resolve solidifying with each passing second. The Shadowkin’s pledge was both a responsibility and a source of strength. He looked at the warriors kneeling before him, each one a symbol of the balance between light and darkness.“Thank you,” he said, his voice steady. “But this isn’t just my fight—it’s ours. Together, we’ll prove that unity is stronger than division.”The leader nodded, their expression solemn. “We will follow you, Victor. But to unite the clans, you must return to your allies and present the gemstone. Only then will the path to true unification begin.”Victor glanced down at the gemstone, its radiant glow a mixture of warm amber and deep violet, as though it held both sunlight and shadows within. It pulsed faintly in his hand, a reminder of its immense power—and the danger it represented if it fell into the wrong hands.“Elara won’t sit idly by,” Victor said, his thoughts turning to their relentless foe. “She’ll strike before we have a chance t
chapter 135
The chamber plunged into an almost oppressive darkness as the Shadowkin leader raised a hand, their voice reverberating through the cavern.“Your first trial begins now. Face the Warden of Shadows.”From the ground rose a massive figure, its form comprised entirely of swirling shadows. Its eyes glowed like embers, and its limbs were jagged extensions of raw darkness. The air grew colder, and Victor felt the weight of the creature’s presence pressing down on him.The Warden let out a guttural roar and lunged forward, its movements unnervingly fluid for something so massive. Victor dodged the initial attack, the shard embedded in his sword flaring with light. The contrast of light against shadow filled the chamber, but the Warden only seemed to grow stronger, feeding on the encroaching darkness.“Stay focused!” Victor muttered to himself, gripping his sword tightly. He needed a plan; brute force wouldn’t be enough to take down this foe.The Warden struck again, its arm transforming into
chapter 134
Victor and his allies began the arduous process of regrouping. The wounded were tended to, and the fallen were honored with solemn prayers. The once-chaotic battlefield was now eerily quiet, the remnants of the battle a stark reminder of the cost of their resistance. Yet amidst the sorrow, a flicker of hope burned brightly in their hearts.Elena approached Victor, her face a mixture of concern and admiration. “You were incredible out there,” she said softly. “That energy—was it the shard?”Victor nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword. “It felt... alive, like it was guiding me. But it took a toll. I can’t rely on it too much.”Thorne joined them, his usual stern demeanor softened by exhaustion. “Elara’s retreat means she’s recalibrating. That gives us time, but not much. We need to solidify our defenses and gather every ally we can find.”Brynn chimed in, his voice carrying the weight of command. “The clans will rally to us when they hear of this victory. They’ve been waiting for a si
chapter 133
Victor saddled his horse, the animal stamping impatiently as if it sensed the urgency in the air. The village around him buzzed with activity—blacksmiths hammering weapons, farmers handing out supplies, and healers preparing salves and bandages. Everyone had a role to play in the coming struggle.Elena appeared by his side, her brow furrowed. She held out a small leather pouch. “Here. Herbs for pain and a bit of concentrated energy potion. It’s not much, but it might make a difference.”Victor took the pouch with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Elena. Keep things steady here. I’ll send word as soon as I can.”She hesitated, then said softly, “You don’t always have to carry this burden alone, you know.”Victor met her gaze, his voice steady. “I’m not alone. I have all of you. That’s what keeps me going.”With a firm nod, he mounted his horse and urged it forward, leaving the village behind. The southern border was half a day’s ride away, and every minute counted. The cool evening wind bit
chapter 132
As dawn painted the forest in hues of gold, the group stood amidst the fading remnants of the shadow creatures. The tree, now a lifeless husk, crumbled to ash, leaving behind a faint hum of residual energy.Elena wiped sweat from her brow, her magic still faintly crackling at her fingertips. “That was unlike anything I’ve ever faced. The tree wasn’t just a source of power—it felt like it was alive, feeding on the shadows.”Victor nodded, sheathing his sword. “And whoever planted it knows we’re onto them. This won’t be the last time we encounter this darkness.”Kael crouched by the ashes, his sharp eyes scanning the remains. He picked up a small shard of black crystal embedded in the dirt. It pulsed faintly, as though it still retained a fragment of the tree’s malevolent energy. “Look at this,” he said, holding it up. “This isn’t natural. Someone crafted this.”Thorne examined it with a grim expression. “A dark mage, perhaps. Or worse, a faction aligned with Elara. Whoever it is, they’